- Your Ladyship, I never thought you could poison me, you're too decent for that!
- Don't be, Count. I did not call you here to listen to compliments.
The Duke sat down in the chair opposite, and settled himself comfortably in it, looking carefully into the eyes of his interlocutor.
- It has been brought to my attention that your people, Count, are very persistently trying to dig into my private life. I'm an old warrior, so I'll ask you directly. Why would you do that?
- Why would I want to know the details of the private life of one of the most powerful men in the kingdom? Your Lordship, you didn't call me here to ask such a simple question, you're interested in what my men have learned. Isn't that so?
Yankee smiled slyly, showing that he had some piquant information. Since the Duke himself started the conversation so directly, why not go straight to the bluff trumps. There's no need to reveal your cards yet. And between the moment when you informed your opponent that you have in your hands is not just trash and the moment to show the available cards in your hands, you can torture him well. Keeping him in suspense and suspense.
- No, it is not so, - the Duke radiated absolute calmness, - Your people have not found anything and have not learned anything. And I know that for a fact. Just as I know about your slave who warms your bed and whom you keep by force.
It was like a bucket of cold water on the Count. For a moment he lost control of himself, which did not escape the Duke's eyes. Having enjoyed the effect, the master of the house continued.
- So I will ask the question again. Why do you want to know the details of my private life?
Before answering, Yankee had to gather his thoughts, which hovered around the brutal murder of all the servants in the house. And in general, it is unpleasant to think of yourself as a spider and all your life pulling the strings, and then suddenly find yourself a fly and get into another web, to a much bigger and stronger spider.
- I want to be chancellor," the earl finally said, deciding that a little frankness wouldn't hurt. He already has many supporters and may not have a majority, but the Chancellor doesn't have one either. An open battle for power would be a whole new experience, of course, but why not have it at the beginning of the vampire's upcoming eternal life?
- The desire is no better or worse than any other, your grace, but why did you send people to look for details about my personal life?
- I wanted to blackmail you into taking my side, your ladyship.
- Is that so? Isn't there any other method you'd like to try?
- What other methods? You're wealthy, I'm wealthier, but you don't need money. You're loyal to the chancellor, which gives you great power. I can either kill you or blackmail and threaten you into working for me. I've never been a fan of killing for power. That's why I chose to gather dirt. Everyone knows about your fascination with young boys and I wanted to play on that. And you're right, my men couldn't find anything.
- My infatuation... - the duke stretched out, - My infatuation has ruined many of my enemies.
After saying this strange phrase, the man stood up and went to the desk and rang the bell. Soon a well-trained servant stood in the office, who seemed not to be even breathing.
- Bring wine. A bottle of island spice.
As soon as the servant left. the master returned to his chair.
- I promised a while ago there would be no wine and I won't be offended if you don't drink, but I must. I have heard the answer to my main question. But let me torture you a little more with my society, Count.
The Yankee merely bowed his head and remained seated. The servant appeared about five minutes later, apparently having to go down to the cellar for the wine he had ordered.
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